The fresh start of a new swimming race season can be a nervous time for each swimmer. But it might be a much more stressful experience if you’ve never raced before.
Your first swimming race is a massive moment for you. You’ll never forget it; it will be the first time you’ve experienced the excitement and atmosphere of competing.
Nerves and nervousness are normal, but it’s also a step into the unknown.
Accepting the challenge is crucial, but cherishing it’s even more vital! Therefore, we’ve collected six essential pieces of advice that will help you understand how to prepare for a swimming race, overcome your pre-race anxiety, and have a stress-free big day.
1. Put your swimming gear bag the day before:
Rushing about trying to pack your swim bag the morning of your first swimming race is the last thing you want to do. You’ll feel confused afterward, and your uneasiness will only grow.
Spend time carefully and adequately packing your swimming equipment bag the day before your event.
We advise creating a checklist to cross things off as you pack them. Then, you’ll be able to sleep confidently, so your suitcase is prepared and completely packed.
You should include the following swimming items in your kit for the day of the swimming race:
- Swimwear
- Swimming goggles
- Swim cap
- Towel
- Snacks
- Sports energy drink
- Warm and comfortable new clothes for change
- Tickets and all paperwork
- Audio Player
2. Make your diet plan in advance:
It’s crucial to make a strategy for your swimming race weekend meals and beverages, including your sports nutrition.
The most important thing to remember is not to attempt any new foods or meals you haven’t had during your training.
3. When you arrive early, check the race schedule:
You don’t want to be stressed over being late since you want your race morning to be as stress-free as possible.
Give yourself an abundance of time to reach the pool. Get connected with your surroundings. Find out where the restrooms, showers, changing rooms, and poolside area are and how long it will take you to get your swimming race pool.
4. Give sufficient time for your whole stretching and warming-up procedure:
Make sure you give yourself at least 5 to 10 minutes before your heat to use the restroom and become comfortable.
It’s even more important to stretch and warm up entirely if your training has been tapered in the days leading up to your race.
You probably already have a series of stretches and warm-ups before swimming that worked effectively for you throughout training, similar to your sports nutrition plan. Stick to these, prepare your muscles, and swim a few laps if you can.
5. Get your focus on
You may not be aware, but when your swimming equipment bag was packed, your mental preparation for this event began.
You may focus on the task at hand — swimming race to the best of your abilities — by freeing your mind of all unneeded concerns and deterrents.
Many swimmers bring their MP3 player or iPod so they may unwind and listen to their favorite music before a race. Some people might breathe in a certain way.
When organizing your day, provide yourself plenty of free time to engage in activities that will help you unwind, focus, and pay attention.
Bottom Line:
You will only ever experience your first swimming race once, but competing in a swim meet is a terrific experience!
Accept the environment, take pleasure in the task, and, most importantly, don’t be too harsh on yourself if your time wasn’t quite as good as you had wanted.
A swim competition is a very different experience from practicing in the comfortable confines of your neighborhood pool.
Take note of what you learned from your first – the greatest race swimming and use it moving forward. Set new objectives for your next race based on your performance!
